Becoming fit is not as complicated as most people make it out to be. You just need to determine the form of exercising you like, as well as what types of workouts you dislike.
Just because someone started exercising by lifting weights doesn’t mean that the same person should spend their entire life doing that same form of exercise.
If you grew tired of (or instantly hated) lifting weight, then you shouldn’t get discouraged and stop exercising all together.
Instead, you should try a different type of workout. The perfect substitute for lifting is doing bodyweight exercises.
Bodyweight exercises are a great choice because they improve your flexibility, strength, and of course, overall health. In addition, the best part of doing them is that they don’t cost anything, as you don not need any equipment.
Doing bodyweight exercises is really efficient. In fact, the University of Rostock, Germany found that by doing plyometrics, you will be able to see some great results in a very short period of time.
Since you won’t need any equipment when doing these types of exercises, you will be able to transition from one exercise to another very quickly.
HIIT
One of the most famous types of bodyweight workouts are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts. They are known for making you both stronger and endurable in a very short period of time.
However, before you even think about trying to do some HIIT workouts, know that they are very challenging, and probably aren’t the best choice for beginners.
Some of the best benefits that come from bodyweight exercises include:
They Help Prevent Injuries
This is very important for anyone that wants to exercise regularly, since injuries are one of the main reasons why people stop working out. Bodyweight exercises are great because they are safe for you regardless of your fitness level, age, or experience.
It’s Easy to Spice Up Your Workouts
You can do them indoors, outdoors; you can do them alone or with a group of people. You can also include, for example, some strength exercises in a cardio workout. You literally have the freedom to create whatever type of workout routine you please.
You Won’t Get Bored
Many people stop lifting weights because they become bored with doing the same exercises every week. However, this is less likely to happen when you’re doing bodyweight exercises, as you can come up with countless workout variations that will always make your workouts interesting.
No Excuses
You won’t have excuses like “the gym is closed now” or “I don’t have enough money for the membership this month.” You can do bodyweight exercises no matter where you are, no matter how late (or early) it is, and no matter if you have money or not.
You’ll Work Your Core
It’s pretty hard to make your core stronger when lifting weights, while it is not really a challenge when you’re doing bodyweight exercises. According to a study published by the English Institute of Sport, a stronger core will improve your overall performance, provide you with a better posture, give you tighter abs, and help relieve lower back stress.
They’re Always Challenging
In the fitness world, challenging means fun. Moreover, bodyweight exercises really are challenging, as you can always modify them to make them tougher.
Bottom Line
Bodyweight exercises are the perfect workout routine if you grew tired of lifting weights. Doing them won’t cost you anything, while you will have the freedom to do them anywhere you want (from a hotel room to a park outdoors). Not to mention that you will also have a chance to be creative and modify any exercise you want.
